Showing posts with label Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting. Show all posts
Orton Update per Jerry Meyer
Labels:
Daniel Orton,
Kansas Basketball,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting,
Ohio State Basketball,
Oklahoma Basketball,
Oklahoma St. Basketball,
Texas BAsketball
Daniel Orton is down to six schools- Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Kansas, Ohio State and Kentucky, which is his favorite.
"I'm really interested in Kentucky and their program," said Orton. "I've known the coaches for a long time. Coach Gillispie recruited my brother, and (Assistant) Coach Cyprien coached him at Oklahoma State." - Article
2009: Optimism is in the Air
"Since April 2007 Brain imaging findings offer a possible mechanism mediating the behaviorally observed optimism bias. The rostral anterior cingulate has previously been shown to be involved in the regulation of emotional responses. The current results suggest that in Kentucky fans this region may help integrate and regulate emotional and autobiographical information to generate a positive view of the future."
One would naturally think that the list of players that the Wildcat's staff has a chance to land has began to dwindle. Although the players that the staff seemingly have the highest on the list are still in tact, some of the second and third options are committing. August is finally here, and the summer shuffle has begun. However, the staff's hard work has the team firmly in the mix with some quality talent.
Christian Watford has pretty much ruled the Cat's out. Darius Morris has chosen to play at Michigan. Junior Cadougan has committed. Shawn Williams seems o be a long shot. Mike Moser, Noel Johnson and Lakeem Jackson have all chosen their collegiate destinations. Long time UK target Clarence Trent has also apparently ruled out Lexington as a destination.
Jon Wall's recruitment is an apparent auction rather than the usual courtship. Oklahoma St. and Baylor are now caught up in a strategical tango for his services. This excerpt is from an article written about Arkansas Elite Camp. The quotes are from A.J. Walton.
Baylor is close to landing Rivals. com’s No. 1 point guard, John Wall of Raleigh (N. C. ) Word of God Christian Academy, but Walton says that won’t have an impact on his decision.
“No, me and John Wall are pretty cool,” Walton said. “We got to play against each other down at the Baylor camp. We kind of talk and text it up a little bit. His coach is getting a job over there, but it hasn’t effected my decision at all.”
The one sure thing that has come from thee rash of commitments is that the staff has time to focus on other prospects. Thomas Robinson is a great looking prospect that UK has offered. AJ Walton has recently said that UK remains on his list of four schools. Walton is a really good player and his 3 star rating is rather deceiving. Chris Colvin out of Illinois has now received an offer from the staff. Colvin and 2010 prospect Anthony Johnson are team mates at Whitney Young . Daniel Orton is planing on attending the 1 day elite camp on Wednesday and the Cat's appear to be in the drivers seat him as of now. Ferrakohn Hall is still in consideration for an offer. Hall really does like UK and an offer may be hard for him to turn down. Terrence Boyd is another player that has a good possibility of ending up a Wildcat. There is good reason for optimism, with every commitment a new name surfaces.
Christian Watford has pretty much ruled the Cat's out. Darius Morris has chosen to play at Michigan. Junior Cadougan has committed. Shawn Williams seems o be a long shot. Mike Moser, Noel Johnson and Lakeem Jackson have all chosen their collegiate destinations. Long time UK target Clarence Trent has also apparently ruled out Lexington as a destination.
Jon Wall's recruitment is an apparent auction rather than the usual courtship. Oklahoma St. and Baylor are now caught up in a strategical tango for his services. This excerpt is from an article written about Arkansas Elite Camp. The quotes are from A.J. Walton.
Baylor is close to landing Rivals. com’s No. 1 point guard, John Wall of Raleigh (N. C. ) Word of God Christian Academy, but Walton says that won’t have an impact on his decision.
“No, me and John Wall are pretty cool,” Walton said. “We got to play against each other down at the Baylor camp. We kind of talk and text it up a little bit. His coach is getting a job over there, but it hasn’t effected my decision at all.”
The one sure thing that has come from thee rash of commitments is that the staff has time to focus on other prospects. Thomas Robinson is a great looking prospect that UK has offered. AJ Walton has recently said that UK remains on his list of four schools. Walton is a really good player and his 3 star rating is rather deceiving. Chris Colvin out of Illinois has now received an offer from the staff. Colvin and 2010 prospect Anthony Johnson are team mates at Whitney Young . Daniel Orton is planing on attending the 1 day elite camp on Wednesday and the Cat's appear to be in the drivers seat him as of now. Ferrakohn Hall is still in consideration for an offer. Hall really does like UK and an offer may be hard for him to turn down. Terrence Boyd is another player that has a good possibility of ending up a Wildcat. There is good reason for optimism, with every commitment a new name surfaces.
2009 Intro: Daniel Miller
Labels:
08' Kentucky Hoopfest,
Daniel Miller,
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets,
Goergia Bulldogs,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting,
Trent Johnson
Miller stands almost 6'11 and is a solid player. Miller is a high major prospect who has ties to the state of Kentucky. The word from some folks close to his situation is that he would like to be pursued by UK, but I didn't verify that with Miller himself. However the way that this information was presented to me was in a believable fashion. Miller has been offered by Georgia and Georgia Tech. Trent Johnson was on hand for at least 1 of his games and an offer is believed to be on the horizon.
This kid is worth keeping an eye on. Miller had 10 points and 11 blocks in his teams final game of the tourney. Coach Webster was keeping an eye on the talented big man at, at least 1 game.
Miller will have to become more mobile but does have a ton of upside.
Duke Crews finds a home click here for the full article
Harrison Barnes day 2: Three UK coaches on hand for 2 games
Labels:
08' Kentucky Hoopfest,
All Iowa Attack. Zack Mcabe,
Billy Gillispie,
Glynn Cyprien,
Harrison Barnes,
Jeremy Cox,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting,
Zack Mcabe
In the first game, Barnes was the focal point of his teams offense today scoring 26 points and showing his ability to get to the rack in multiple ways including a very nice dunk tip, that even made UK assistant Glynn Cyprien look intrigued. Barnes also showed that he is a very cerebral player and does all of the intangible things that you like to see your best player doing. With 6 seconds left in the half Barnes drove and dished the ball out for an easy jumper, making the score 33-28 at the half. Barnes had 13 at that time.
Barnes was aggressive in the second half having multiple attempts from the line. With 6 minutes left Barnes hit a shot to make it 60-52, then a few moments later Zach Mcabe sank a bucket and the bonus to push the lead to 67-63. With 20 seconds left left Barnes nailed to more free throws that sealed the win.
The second game was one of the best games that I seen all day. The Attack struggled early on however Barnes remained steady, posting 28 points right in front of Coach Gillispie and Coach Cox. 6'7 Ben Avercamp led the Wisconsin Swing with 24 points and multiple adjusted shots that helped to seal a 75-71 win.
After watching his All Iowa Attack team play 3 games and go 2-1. I have seen firsthand why there is so much hoopla surrounding the versatile young man. The final game was his best showing and his ability to shoot from long range was on display. With a couple of seasons left before he puts on a college jersey Barnes could put up numbers comparable to Beasley or Durant as a freshman.
After watching his All Iowa Attack team play 3 games and go 2-1. I have seen firsthand why there is so much hoopla surrounding the versatile young man. The final game was his best showing and his ability to shoot from long range was on display. With a couple of seasons left before he puts on a college jersey Barnes could put up numbers comparable to Beasley or Durant as a freshman.
Even without a horse in the race Coach Gillispie still works the zebras.
The Kentucky Gators and Jacob Jenkins 101: From the 08' Hoopfest
Labels:
Billy Gillispie,
Harrison Barnes,
Jacob Jenkins,
Kentucky Basketball Recruiting,
Kentucky Gators AAU,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting,
Peyton Siva,
Travis Durham Jeremy Buckman
We were in attendance as Coach Travis Durham and his Kentucky Gators took on Team Vigilance. I didn't see any of the UK or UofL coaches in attendance at this one although there were assistants from LSU, Nevada, Georgia, Miami of Ohio, and Tulane. Travis Ford was personally on hand for the game. On the surface the Gator team looked outgunned, but they proved to be a game foe and almost held on to the game.
Early on the Gators led behind strong play by sophomore Chris Richard and his sweet stroke. Senior Jacob Jenkins ability to wreak havoc in all areas of the game was obvious from the tip.
At one point early on Jenkins missed a contested layup, but hustled and helped to trap on defense slapping the ball away and causing a ten second violation. With just under 6 minutes remaining in the first half Jenkins forced a carry. On the next possession after drawing the double team he kicked the ball out to a wide open Richard for a three.
At one point early on Jenkins missed a contested layup, but hustled and helped to trap on defense slapping the ball away and causing a ten second violation. With just under 6 minutes remaining in the first half Jenkins forced a carry. On the next possession after drawing the double team he kicked the ball out to a wide open Richard for a three.
Jenkins finished the game with 16 hard fought points however he is averaging over 27 per game this summer.
In the second half the Gators legs just gave out and they let the lead slip away. With just under a minute left the Gators trailed 56-49 coach Durham told his team.
"Deny the post, if they get to the basket they got you beat, just reach."
Coach Durham was intent on net letting this one slip away. However in the end his team came up a little short 60-54.
After the game we caught up with Jenkins and Coach Durham.
We first asked Jacob to sum up his game and what he has been working on this summer?On his game: I feel like I can shoot the ball really good. I think I can hit all kinds of shots, mid range, long range.
On what he has been working on: "Being more versatile you know? getting stronger, picking up weight, playing tougher and getting to the rack. I just like to come out compete and play hard."
When your shot is not falling you seem to stay involved in the game in all other aspects, your on the floor, your in the passing lanes.
"Yeah I always try to be aggressive and to be consistent no matter whats going on. I just keep my head straight and be there for my team."
What was coach telling you today during those last few timeouts down the stretch?
"He told us we needed to get a stop. We went small and we had to scrap, we had to start trapping. We just came up short we didn't get enough steals or turnovers. They were smart with the ball, overall."
What about the three local schools. Kentucky, Louisville and Indiana?
"All three have kept tabs on me. I visited Louisville so that was nice. I have heard from Indiana a little bit and Kentucky they have watched my games and I went to their camp. I think they all have medium interest, but anything can happen."
How was the camp?
"I had a lot of fun it was a nice experience."
Who was the best player you saw at the Elite camp?
"Best player? As far as potential is Dominique Ferguson."
What is the list right now?
"Wisconsin, Eastern Kentucky, South Carolina, Miami of Ohio and of course Louisville, Kentucky and Indiana."
(Coach Durham left, assistant Jeremy Buckman right)
Coach Durham then was nice enough to answer a few question for us
"I have been coaching since 2000."
How have you guys fared this summer coach?
"We are 14-4 we played 3 of the best teams up in the take 5. We played Peyton Siva's team in the final four and lost by about 4 or 5."
You guys almost pulled one out and were in control most of the game.
"We did, we got a little tired, if we had a little more depth I think we would have beat them. Jacob usually scores 25- 30 points the shots just didn't fall today."
Even when Jacob's shots weren't falling, I noticed that he is always scrapping, in the lanes and on the floor.
"That's what I tell them I don't care about the score sometimes. You have to play defense, rebound and pass and everything else will fall into place."
How is it coaching this group of kids?
"I love em', I love em' all. I got a great group of kids, I wouldn't trade any of them in. They do good in school, they do what I ask, they are team players and I am hard coach to play for sometimes."
Jenkins had 24 points with 18 of them came on three point field goals, against Siva's team, with Siva shadowing Jenkins the whole game in Cincinnati at the take 5.
We have a lot more from day 1 and 2 including a Harrison Barnes update: Barnes had 26 and 28 today. He scored 28 in front of Coach Gillispie and Coach Cox. Full story tomorrow
Also another former IU player finds a home please click here for the full story
Harrison Barnes at the Hoopfest
Labels:
Harrison Barnes,
Kentucky Wildcat's,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting
Harrison Barnes Finished the game with 13 points, at least 4 or 5 assists and a huge blocked shot. Teammate 6'8 Zach Mcabe added a game high 27 points as the Iowa Attack put on the cruise control and beat The Players 81-37. Barnes is a well rounded young man, very articulate as well. Barnes did not force the action and is a very team oriented player, but was clearly a cut above the other players on the court. After the game Barnes was kind enough to field questions from everyone.
Who was the best players you seen at the Lebron Camp?
"DeMarcus Cousins and Jon Wall, they play different positions, but Wall can pass."
Coming form the Lebron Camp in a setting like that is it any different playing here, I mean it's been a tough week for you mentally and physically?
"I think it's nice to come play with these guys to ya know? I mean to come from a setting where your playing with a whole bunch of all stars everyone is kinda somewhat selfish in a respect ya know? It's kinda hard to play with them to just meeting them, but when I come back and play with my normal team and we already have chemistry. It feels nice."
Is it almost better to come back to your normal team you know because you are kind of familiar with them?
"Well they are my friends (chuckles) I had to come back and play with the friends."
When you see these coaches out here, what is it like playing in front of them,is it kind of nerve racking?
"It was nerve racking a little while ago you just kind of become accustomed to it."
Tell us about your game a little bit what are your strengths right now and what are some of the things you need to work on?
"Right now I would say my strengths are spot up shooting and just shooting in general. Pulling up coming off of screens. I'd say that my area I need to improve the most would probably be my ball handling. In college I am going to play the 2 so I really need to sharpen up my handling."
Did you learn anything at Lebron about any of those strengths or weaknesses?
"Well they taught us a lot of drills and development in camp."
I am sure that every school in the country is recruiting you, do you have any feel or an early list at all?
"Right now I am just taking my time letting my skills develop. Recruiting right now every one's equal."
As your here in Louisville you have Louisville Kentucky and Indiana all close all three have coaches here watching you, are you interested in any of those three schools?
"Kentucky and Indiana have offered me so I am assuming a lot of interest form them and I have interest in them. As far as from Louisville they might have communicated with my head coach a little bit, but they have not communicated with me."
What are you looking for in a school?
"I want a strong academic field and basketball wise just a good solid team that can make me better and where I can make other people better. Hopefully have a national championship run and then go on to the pros."
Leave home or stay close to home, does it mater?
"I haven't decided distance yet."
Whats your GPA right now?
"3.39"
What did you want to get out of this summer?
"I just want to go and win some championships at some of these national tournaments get better and get some of my teammates some scholarships."
Do you have a time frame for when you would like cut your list?
"Not at the moment."
Do you know when you would like to make a commitment?
"I would like to go on some official visits check out some schools, check out some campuses. I haven't seen many so far so I just want to go see some schools."
Academically anything in particular your looking for?
"A strong business field. I am going to go into business administration finance."
Coach Cox was in attendance. I saw scouts from Duke, IU, Memphis and a slew of Mid Major programs.
We will have more from the Hoopfest over the next couple of days
Wildcat's assistant Jeremy Cox was kind enough to field a few questions
We had a chance to sit in on a brief interview with Kentucky Assistant Coach Jeremy Cox. Coach was a really nice guy and took a moment after the interview to ask about us, pose for a picture, shake my hand and wished us luck. That was an awful nice gesture by the Coach.
Coach Cox first fielded a few questions about the three point shot being moved from 19'9" (6.02 m), to 20'9" (6.325 m) for 2008–09 season.
Do you think that there are going to be less upsets in the NCAA because of the longer distance of the three point shot?
"quite possibly I mean still it's a shot that it's very makable I just don't think that it will take away from the tournament at all"
Is it harder to evaluate certain kids now because of the increased distance on the three point shot?
"You know possibly it may be ya know, down the road we'll maybe see that. We haven't played with it at all, I mean we have recruited guys that do that. I think that even last summer we were looking for guys with range and putting more of a premium on kids that can shoot the ball with range. "
Could you talk about the benefits of having an event like this for you guys as coaches?
"Well it's awesome so many kids in one arena and then it's nice to have it here in Kentucky so people can see the love and the passion for basketball in Kentucky. So obviously it's a real big advantage for us as coaches there is so many events I could talk all day long, but what a great facility this is."
I'm sure you come here and there's certain kids you want to see. Have there been times in the past where you've found a kid that hasn't been on your radar?
"No question, no question, to see this many kids together coming from rural areas, different parts of the country that you haven't seen, maybe different parts of the world showing up. So it is a place where you can find a hidden gem or something, you'll hear every Summer, a kid will pop up, a kid will come out of nowhere. By the end of the summer he'll be on the radar and every team around the country will be chasing him."
I guess it's always good just to be out to let the kids see the Coach in the UK shirt
"It's really nice to be wearing it hopefully we can do a good enough job to be wearing it for awhile."
Please stop by over the next couple of days for more from the 08' Hoopfest.
Some Watford News & Hoopfest Updates
Labels:
Jeremy Cox,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting,
Tubby Smith
I just got in from the Hoopfest and I have some updates for you guys. I will get an article or two together and hopefully can post at least one this evening. We saw Tubby Smith and had a chance to sit in on an interview with Coach Cox from UK. We have some photos of everyone as well. Tonight I will be at Louisville Male High School to watch UK target Harrison Barnes. We also got to speak with a few of today's top performers.
Thanks, as always for taking the time out of your busy days to stop by, it is appreciated.
Wildcat Hoops Targets: Summer Camp Updates
Labels:
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting,
Russell Byrd,
Shawn Kemp Jr,
Trae Golden
As the Summer Camp's go into full swing we have a couple of updates that were passed along to us.
1.Shawn Kemp has said that the three schools that he is currently interested in are Washington, UK and Georgia
2. Russell Byrd a 6'7 190 junior power forward has said that Michigan State, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville and Indiana have all been in contact with him. Byrd is a native of Fort Wayne Indiana.
3. Trae Golden: This should come down to UK and Ga.Tech with UK probably having the edge. I don't see Ohio State staying in the picture and it might be mutual.
I do know this the rumors of Golden's de-commitment have been around for some time and coincidently or not that's about the same time that Matta started to go after Anthony Johnson from Chicago very hard.What happened first is anyone's guess.
Both players are basically combo guards who may be more suited to play the 2 and it wouldn't make any sense to me for OSU to go after both,so either Matta was pro-active and started to go after Johnson or maybe Golden's recent drop in the rankings had Matta re-thinking the situation that maybe Johnson was a better fit and Golden caught wind of it an decided to open things up.
It very well may have been a mutual decision on both fronts and that is purely speculation on my part,but it would make sense OSU leads for Johnson at this point.
I do know this the rumors of Golden's de-commitment have been around for some time and coincidently or not that's about the same time that Matta started to go after Anthony Johnson from Chicago very hard.What happened first is anyone's guess.
Both players are basically combo guards who may be more suited to play the 2 and it wouldn't make any sense to me for OSU to go after both,so either Matta was pro-active and started to go after Johnson or maybe Golden's recent drop in the rankings had Matta re-thinking the situation that maybe Johnson was a better fit and Golden caught wind of it an decided to open things up.
It very well may have been a mutual decision on both fronts and that is purely speculation on my part,but it would make sense OSU leads for Johnson at this point.
In either case I hope both recruits find a happy fit. If Johnson commits to OSU and Golden to UK I'm cool with that. This was passed along by a friend of the site who is an Ohio St. guy and keeps a close eye on developments in Columbus.
2010 Prep Focus: Donnie Hale
Labels:
Donnie Hale,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting,
New Albany High School Bulldogs
Donnie Hale is a fast rising 2010 prospect playing for New Albany Bulldogs in New Albany, IN. Hale stands 6'7 and weighs 180 pounds. Five games into his sophomore season he was averaging 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 block shots. Hale finished his sophomore campaign averaging 12 points, almost 7 rebounds and over 4 blocks per game. His Bulldog's squad finished with a 26-1 record but fell short of the class 4A title.
Hale is a solid player and should develop his game further the kid could be 6'8 or 6'9 by the time he steps foot on a NCAA campus. In a game in early February at Providence High, Hale exploded posting 25 points on 11-11 shooting and 6 rejections that altered the flow of the game. The Bulldogs won the game 67-44. After the game New Albany head coach Jim Shannon spoke highly of Hale's performance:
“We could have made things easier on ourselves, if we hadn’t forgotten about Donnie,” said New Albany coach Jim Shannon. “No one could handle him, there was just no way.”
“When we make mistakes on defense, Donnie covers up for a lot of that with blocks for us,” Shannon said. “People know that when they go inside, he’s going to be there.”
New Ablany's roster is very balanced, as far as the stat sheet goes. The team is guard oriented and relies on a consistent perimeter game, like a lot of high school programs tend to. However the deep back court does open things up a bit more for the versatile Hale. As of now Purdue has offered a scholarship and Hale has been on IU's campus at least once. Hale said that the Wildcat's staff has been in contact with him as well. Xavier, Louisville and Oklahoma St. have also inquired about the talented youngster.
In May of 08' Hale had this to say to Jody Demling about where he stands:
"I'm pretty open right now," Hale said. "I'm going to play around with it and see what happens. I'll make some official visits and then see. I wouldn't mind playing close to home, but then again I wouldn't mind going away from home, either."
UK recruit Ferguson aknowledges doubters
Labels:
Dominique Ferguson,
Jerry Tipton,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball,
Kentucky Wildcat's Basketball Recruiting
Jerry Tipton's most recent article:
Kentucky recruit Dominique Ferguson seemed to have a message on the T-shirt he wore under his jersey. “Cats are back,” it read.When asked about the T-shirt, Ferguson smiled self-consciously. It referred to his Bloomington (Ind.) Lawrence North team. He’s intent on restoring that program’s glory before moving on to UK in 2010.Ferguson acknowledged UK’s recent slippage when he said, “It’s better for me to come in and make us better.”Then he added, “I think they’ll be a lot better this year.”
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